Tyrann Mathieu ‘Honey Badger’ Shirts Prompt Cease and Desist Notes From LSU Compliance Office

Apparently, the "Honey Badger" does care. Or at least LSU and the NCAA cares.

On Wednesday, the LSU compliance office issued cease and desist notifications regarding popular "Honey Badger" T-shirts, which reference LSU Heisman Trophy candidate Tyrann Mathieu (thanks to Deadspin for the find).

According to LSU and NCAA Bylaw 12.5.2.2, the shirts are illegal because the "Honey Badger" is a recognizable moniker for Mathieu, a student-athlete who is not permitted to receive compensation or promotion without permission of his school and the NCAA.

The 19-year-old Tiger sophomore is a standout defensive back and kick returner for LSU, recording 71 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles (two returned for touchdowns), two interceptions and two returns for scores. Mathieu was named MVP of the 2011 SEC championship game, named the AP's SEC Defensive Player of the Year and is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented Saturday night in New York City.

Mathieu has been nicknamed the "Honey Badger" because of his fearless playing style, similar to the fearless psyche of honey badgers who, ahem, "don't give a [care]."

To see more about LSU's "Honey Badger" check out the video below.

Photos via LSU.edu